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Business Librarian Job at Arapahoe Library District in San Luis Obispo

Arapahoe Library District, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States


Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean for Academic Services, the Business Librarian serves as a strategic partner to align instructional support, research services, and collection decisions with Cal Poly’s "Learn by Doing" philosophy. A central responsibility of the position is sustained engagement as the primary liaison to the Orfalea College of Business (OCOB), where they support undergraduate and graduate programs across the San Luis Obispo, Solano, and community college 2+2 degree contexts. Additionally, the Business Librarian plays a lead liaison role for Agribusiness in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), supporting hands‑on, interdisciplinary programs that integrate quantitative analysis and industry engagement. In this capacity, the position will also support the growing portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly, ensuring strategic library alignment with campus‑wide initiatives.

Because business‑related research and instruction are highly interdisciplinary at Cal Poly, the role extends to several academic units including Marine Transportation, Wine and Viticulture, Industrial Manufacturing and Engineering, Graphic Communication, and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. To meet evolving curricular priorities and accreditation requirements, the Business Librarian actively collaborates with library colleagues, students, faculty, and administrators. This work is executed through a strategic blend of shared services, internal capacity building, and leadership in research consultation and outreach to ensure a vibrant learning experience across all business‑related disciplines at Cal Poly.

In addition to discipline‑specific liaison responsibilities, the Business Librarian contributes to library‑wide initiatives that advance institutional goals and learning outcomes. These include general reference, campus engagement, and service activities that strengthen the library’s role as an integrated academic partner.

Tenure‑track librarians hold full faculty status and are expected to be prepared to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion. This includes supporting their practice through an active program of scholarship or creative work; participating in shared governance; and contributing service at the library, campus, and professional levels in alignment with the goals of the University Library, Cal Poly, and the California State University system.

Kennedy Library recognizes that candidates may have acquired relevant experience in a variety of ways. We expect candidates to be stronger in some required qualifications than others. We are committed to helping future colleagues expand their skills as well as learning from their areas of strength.

Professional Responsibilities

Serves as the primary library liaison to the Orfalea College of Business and the Agricultural Business Department in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, actively integrating library programs, services, and resources into curricular and research activities.

Provides specialized business reference and research services, including scheduled and unscheduled consultations via email, chat, phone, and in‑person.

Designs and delivers workshops, orientations, and instructional materials in both in‑person and online environments.

In collaboration with library colleagues, builds and maintains the Library’s collections in all formats to support business curricular and research needs at Cal Poly.

Takes individual and collaborative measures to understand constituent needs, assess the reach and effectiveness of library services, and close the assessment loop by taking steps to ensure the Cal Poly goal of universal student success.

Develops and assists with library outreach and collaborative initiatives, participates in campus events, and fosters community engagement for the mutual benefit of students and the region.

Active and contributing member of the Academic Services team.

Professional Growth and Contribution
Leverages knowledge of users’ needs and trends in librarianship and business education to develop and maintain effective programs that support innovative teaching, learning, and productive research.
Maintains awareness of trends in scholarly communication, data management, and other emerging program areas, integrating these into outreach and instructional services for business‑related programs and the university.
Engages in an active program of research and scholarship, including externally validated presentations and publications.
Contributes to the knowledge base of the profession, particularly within areas of specialized expertise.

Service and Other Activities

Serves on select library, university, and system‑wide committees, working groups, and special initiatives related to professional expertise and the needs of the library.

Contributes to shared governance as an active member of the library and campus faculties.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree, or substantial subject experience, in business, economics, marketing, or a related field.

Ability to articulate trade‑offs, advocate for resources in consortial decision‑making, and incorporate diverse economic perspectives, global contexts, and nontraditional research outputs.

Familiarity with evidence synthesis practices and their implications for research support and collection strategy.

Familiarity or expertise with quantitative, statistical, or spatial analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, ArcGIS, or programming languages/environments such as R).

Skill in using instructional software and multimedia tools (such as Camtasia, Articulate, Powtoon, etc.), to create engaging learning experiences.

General public services experience in an academic or special library.

Professional competency in Spanish.

Special Conditions
The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

HOW TO APPLY
Please attach to your electronic application the following materials:

Cover letter

Current curriculum vita

Universal Student Success Statement - Cal Poly is a public, student‑centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher‑scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. For librarian applicants, evidence of inclusive and intentional teaching may encompass support for information literacy, the provision of accessible tools for learning or discovery, or of research services that empower a diverse student body in their academic pursuits, etc.

Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned. Official sealed transcript showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment. Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the individuals listed by applicants.

This position is open until filled.

Projected Start Date: July 31, 2026

Review Begin Date: March 23, 2026. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.

ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Sciences, or comparable experience with a relevant advanced degree, at the time of appointment.

Three years of relevant experience.

Skill in using business information resources, including economic, financial, legal, management, competitive intelligence, and marketing data sources.

Familiarity with content, licensing, and functionality considerations for core academic and/or commercial business information products.

Awareness of equity‑related issues in business and economics, such as sustainability, inclusive entrepreneurship, and structural dynamics affecting leadership, education, and labor.

Experience providing instruction and/or reference support for entrepreneurship, company/industry research, labor relations, operations and supply chain management, or intellectual property information needs.

Ability to design and deliver effective, accessible learning experiences in in‑person, virtual, and asynchronous environments.

Experience or demonstrated ability communicating and promoting library services to varied audiences.

Experience participating in collections planning, assessment, or prioritization.

Ability to work at both tactical and strategic levels, translating disciplinary needs into sustainable research support and collections approaches.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team, with and in support of culturally diverse faculty, students, and staff.

Excellent oral and written communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

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In Summary: The Business Librarian serves as a strategic partner to align instructional support, research services, and collection decisions with Cal Poly’s ‘Learn by Doing’ philosophy . A central responsibility of the position is sustained engagement as the primary liaison to the Orfalea College of Business . The position will also support the growing portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly .

En Español: Bajo la supervisión general del decano asociado de servicios académicos, el bibliotecario de negocios sirve como socio estratégico para alinear el apoyo instructivo, los servicios de investigación y las decisiones de recolección con la filosofía "Aprender haciendo" de Cal Poly. Una responsabilidad central del puesto es el compromiso sostenido como enlace principal al Colegio Orfalea de Negocios (OCOB), donde apoyan programas de pregrado y posgrado a través de contextos de grado 2+2 de San Luis Obispo, Solano y colegio comunitario. Además, el bibliotecario de negocios desempeña un papel de enlace líder para el agronegocio en la Facultad de Agricultura, Alimentación y Ciencias Ambientales (CAFES). Este trabajo se ejecuta a través de una combinación estratégica de servicios compartidos, la creación de capacidades internas y el liderazgo en consultoría e divulgación de investigación para garantizar una experiencia de aprendizaje vibrante en todas las disciplinas relacionadas con los negocios en Cal Poly. Además de las responsabilidades de vinculación específicas de la disciplina, el bibliotecario empresarial contribuye a iniciativas en toda la biblioteca que promueven los objetivos institucionales y resultados del aprendizaje. Estos incluyen actividades generales de referencia, compromiso en el campus y servicio que fortalecen el papel de la biblioteca como socio académico integrado. Los bibliotecarios tenores tienen un estatus completo de facultad y se espera que estén preparados para cumplir con los requisitos de tenencia y promoción. Esto incluye apoyar su práctica mediante un programa activo de becas o trabajo creativo; participar en gobernanza compartida; y contribuir al servicio en los niveles universitarios, bibliotecos y profesionales alineados con los objetivos de la Universidad de California, la Biblioteca Politécnica y el sistema Estatal Kennedy Library. Estamos comprometidos a ayudar a los futuros colegas a expandir sus habilidades, así como aprender de sus áreas de fortaleza. Responsabilidades profesionales sirve como el vínculo primario de la biblioteca con el Colegio Orfalea de Negocios y el Departamento de Empresas Agrícolas en el College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, integrando activamente programas, servicios y recursos bibliográficos en actividades curriculares e investigativas. Proporciona servicios especializados de referencia e investigación empresarial, incluidas consultas programadas y no programadas por correo electrónico, chat, teléfono y en persona. Diseña y ofrece talleres, orientaciones y materiales educativos tanto en personas como en línea. En colaboración con colectivos de bibliotecas, desarrolla y evalúa las colecciones de estudios de la Biblioteca en todos los formatos para abordar necesidades empresariales y de investigación en Calga A. Consistente con la ley de California y las leyes federales de derechos civiles, Cal Poly proporciona igualdad en educación y empleo sin discriminación ilegal o tratamiento preferencial basado en raza, sexo, color, etnia o origen nacional. Nuestro compromiso con la igualdad de oportunidades significa garantizar que cada estudiante y empleado tenga acceso a los recursos y apoyo necesarios para prosperar y tener éxito en un entorno universitario y en sus comunidades. Cal Poly cumple con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, Título IX de las enmiendas a la Educación de 1972, los estadounidenses con Discapacidad (ADA), Sección 504 de la Acta de Rehabilitación, la Equidad en Educación Superior de California La Proposición 209 (Artículo I, sección 31 de la Constitución de California) A través de programas académicos, organizaciones y actividades estudiantiles, iniciativas docentes y asociaciones comunitarias, fomentamos un compromiso significativo con diversas perspectivas. Como institución de educación superior, estamos dedicados a avanzar en el conocimiento y empoderar a las personas para alcanzar su máximo potencial priorizando el desarrollo del currículo inclusivo, la capacitación de profesores y personal, la tutoría de estudiantes y los programas integrales de apoyo. En Cal Poly, la excelencia se basa en mérito, talento, diversidad, accesibilidad e igualdad de oportunidades para todos. Para los solicitantes de bibliotecas, la evidencia de enseñanza inclusiva e intencional puede incluir apoyo a la alfabetización informativa, el suministro de herramientas accesibles para aprendizaje o descubrimiento, o de servicios de investigación que capaciten a un cuerpo estudiantil diverso en sus actividades académicas, etc. Transcripciones no oficiales que muestren mayor grado obtenido. Se requerirá una transcripción sellada oficial que muestre mayor grado ganado antes de la cita. Por favor esté preparado para proporcionar tres referencias profesionales con nombres y direcciones de correo electrónico al completar la solicitud. Cal Poly solicitará cartas directamente de las personas enumeradas por los candidatos.